By Muhammad Mamman
Former Rivers State Governor and senior figure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has reaffirmed his determination to contest the 2027 presidential election, declaring that there will be “no retreat, no surrender” in his pursuit of the party’s ticket.
Amaechi, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation between 2015 and 2022, made this known in Kano on Thursday during an interaction with journalists after meeting with a coalition of traders in the state.
The former minister insisted that the ADC primary election must be transparent and competitive, stressing that he would not step down for any aspirant. Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, monitored in Kaduna, Amaechi said:
“I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace, I hope to win so that I can face Tinubu in 2027. I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide who they want to lead.”
Amaechi maintained that internal competition within the party was healthy for democracy, noting that every aspirant had the right to seek the ticket.
Turning to the state of the nation, he criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, arguing that Nigerians were increasingly disillusioned with its policies and governance style.
“Whether the government wants to conduct credible elections or not, one thing is certain—time is up. Nigerians are tired because no one is happy under Tinubu, not even in Rivers or across the South. He tries to frame it as a North–South contest, but the truth is people are suffering everywhere,” he said.
According to Amaechi, Tinubu’s appointments have failed to reflect genuine inclusivity. “Even among the Yoruba, many feel excluded. He only rewards a few close associates, while the majority remain neglected,” he alleged.
On whether the ADC might zone its presidential ticket, the former governor stated: “That is a party decision. I am just a member. Whatever the party decides, I will abide by it. But as far as I am concerned, I am in the race.”
Presenting himself as one of the most qualified contenders, Amaechi said: “If you look at all those aspiring, including Tinubu, tell me honestly, who is better prepared than I am? I come from the South, and we are not in conflict with the South-East, South-West, or even the North. My candidacy offers unity.”
Although some analysts argue that Amaechi’s political influence in Rivers State has diminished in light of the growing dominance of his long-time rival, and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, he dismissed such claims.
“Recently, when I visited Rivers to inaugurate the ADC, the turnout was massive from the airport to the venue—and nobody was paid a kobo for that mobilisation. That should tell you something about where the people stand,” Amaechi added.
